You are correct in the CPU - it is a Hitachi (but now sold off to
Renasas in the UK). Indeed this chip is a flash programmable MPU. The
most common method to in-place flash them is to set one of the mode
lines to the appropriate value (and the FT-897 has test point there).

The CPU then loads a mask-programmed boot-loader routine which talks
via one of the serial interfaces to a host program. That serial
interface appears to be connected to the CAT interface lines.

The boot-loader sends some handshaking characters to the programming
device (usually a PC), then upon receiving the appropriate handshake
back, ERASES the flash, then loads a program from the host. The host
program is responsible for loading and writing the new flash image
using in-built commands in the CPU.

The moral of the story is that while you can destroy the flash and
load corrupt code, since the boot loader is microcoded in the MPU,
you can always reflash it.

Now, I am in exactly the same position as Darren. I have an FT-897
which was brought back to VK for me by a friend who was in Japan. The
Japanese bandplan for 2M stops at 146MHz - in VK we go to 148MHz and
146 - 148 is where pretty well all of our repeaters and FM work is.
70cm here is also expanded - 420 - 450 MHz. The solder-ball
modifications do not work with the Japanese-market firmware at all.
They do change some of the HF characteristics but VHF/UHF is
untouched.

I contacted our local "distributor" (DSE) who is going out of Ham
Radio - even though they vehemently deny - it about getting new
firmware loaded into the radio, even at cost (no warranty outside
Japan).

The answer: You need to purchase a new main board or MPU and have it
replaced. Price forthcoming. That was several weeks ago and I have
not heard back from them. So much for service.

I find it very hard to believe that the MPU needs to be replaced.
Yes, reprogramming the flash also means that a complete realignment
of the radio is required as all the alignment settings would be lost
when the flash is erased by the boot-loader.

However hard copying these down FIRST would solve that problem.

So the big question is: Why won't Yaesu supply the flash loader and
the firmware ? Other manufacturers do and it saves them a lot of
return-under-warranty trouble.

I am currently exploring some of the CAT commands the '897 shares
with the '817 - watch this space.

Oh, and yes, I can confirm that it is not a mask-programmed version
of the MPU. It can most certainly be flashed.

The other problem here is the Yaesu has no service center is
Australia. DSE say they will do it, but they know nothing about the
897. It appeared for sale on their website for a few days, but with
no-stock anywhere, and then was withdrawn. Looks like they are now
only offering run-out stocks of the '817. I am really sure Yaesu are
happy that their only VK dealer is only carrying one of their radios.

So where do we in VK land get the MPU chip from in the first place?

Exasperating. I love this radio, but the service & support in VK is
absolutely disgusting.

73 de Peter, VK2JCG.


--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, r tg <rtg222@y...> wrote:
> The CPU is IC 1049 and is Hitachi p/n - HD64F2134FA20 as shown on
the schematic.
>
> This part has 128k of flash memory as indicated by the Hitachi data
sheet. That is denoted by the first "F" in the part number.  I have
not looked at the cpu in the unit but, it is unlikely that Yaesu
would have created a masked ROM version of this part as the volumes
are surely to low for this application.
>
> Looks like they use a J-Tag interface for programming.
>
> Rob - W3RG
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

See http://www.renesas.com/eng/products/mpumcu/16bit/h8s/2100/2134/
for more information on the CPU than you might care to read.  ;-)

If anyone that has had the CPU upgrade performed would kindly look at
the markings on the CPU, then check the last two digits.  The
original CPU speed is 20 MHz (or 20), but there is a 30 MHz version
(or 30).  I am curious if they CPU has been increased which has other
implications as well.

73,
Barry - W4WB

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "w4wb" <w4wb@a...> wrote:
> If you already have an OTT  and it is working, you can be highly
confident that it will continue  to do so.

Just curious.  Did you find all of the ones that failed in the field
had failed on first use? Or did some work for a while and then
subsequently fail? I bought my AT-897 and OTT-897 from you at Dayton
and need a reliable radio for emergency work.

73

Gary, K2GW

Tom -- any word on this from Yaesu?  Inquiring "ringless people" like
me want to know. :-)

73, -Ed-

On Monday, June 30, 2003, at 08:48 PM, Tom Phillips wrote:

> Hi, Bjorn,
> My FT897 has a ring that rotates around the Mem/VFO Ch knob for sure.
> I'll
> call Yaesu on this.
>
> Tom - AB5ZJ


Ed Thierbach, AB8OJ
edt@...

Any if you that have the W4RT charger may want to be make sure you are around
when you have that thing plugged in and charging.  The thermal design is so poor
that it may not be a good idea to leave it plugged in without someone to monitor
it while in fast charge mode.

It gets so hot that the heat inside has melted the gray plastic AC power cord in
the plastic housing.  The heat sink , made made from U-channel bar stock similar
to that found at Home Depot is clearly not a designed component to provide
maximum thermal convection for the switching power transistor.  The gray power
cord was in contact with the heat sink.

It is clear the overall design is just "blue wired" from the FT-817 charger has
there are approximately 10 cuts and jumps with numerous additional components
added.  The jumpers had no insulation on them so the only thing keeping them
from shorting was being bent up in the air over copper traces.  At least use
insulated wire and strip the ends!

This item is not ready for the consumer.  What I received was nothing more than
a prototype at a full production readiness cost.

The unit has not failed yet, although the melting plastic on the power wire
prompted me to open it.  My review commendation is to find an alternate power
charger solution until this unit has been redesigned to be thermally reliable. 
This means significantly improved thermal management.  Update the PCB to
eliminate the poor workmanship and rework.

There is nothing special about this design, it is clear the W4RT wanted to have
a FT-897 charging solution with minimal effort.  The price for that is poor
quality and customer dissatisfaction.  Thought these guys knew better than
that!?!

Rob - W3RG



---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I use my FT-897 for portable work. I bit the bullet and bought the entire
charging system: the PA-26B/C/U charger and the CD-24 Adapter (you must have
both) and can report they work well, as advertised, although expensive. W9WHX


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, darren <darrendude1000@y...> wrote:
> has any one got a copy of the latest firm ware for the ft-897
> so i can upgrade my radio.???
> or know wher i can download it from?
>
>
>
>
>
> ..DARREN...
>
> AUSTRAILIA
>
> VICTORIA
>
> web page>
>
> http://www.geocities.com/darrendude1000/darrens.html
>
>

Hey Guys,
I was wondering if there was a set of alignment menu's like the "F"
menus of the FT 100.  The FT 100 also has a destination code in the
set of hidden "F" menus.  You could change this with a simple spin
of  the Main Dial.  Do the 8xx series rigs have such a hidden
alignment menu that anybody has discovered?  This could be the cure
for some o you with Japaneese BP rigs in the UK and Australia.
Sandor KG4FET

--- Gschlicke@... wrote:
> I use my FT-897 for portable work. I bit the bullet
> and bought the entire
> charging system: the PA-26B/C/U charger and the
> CD-24 Adapter (you must have
> both) and can report they work well, as advertised,
> although expensive. W9WHX
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
     NOT TRUE!!!!

You ONLY have to have the CD-24, Any 12 volt power
will run it. The 13.6 volt power cord (for the FT-897)
plugs into the CD-24 adapter which connects to the
batteries. You ONLY have to have the CD-24




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.
http://search.yahoo.com

Has anyone interfaced the above named keyer to your FT-897?  It
appears as if some sort of adapter is needed...  which I have not
been able to find out any information...

Any help would be appreicated

thank you,
Michael
WØMKE

Your answer is over on Eham.net.  Get to Radio Shack and get a 3.5mm
stereo male to 1/4 inch stereo Female adapter.  That is all you need.
Good Luck
Steve W4CNG

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "michael" <W0MKE@q...> wrote:
> Has anyone interfaced the above named keyer to your FT-897?  It
> appears as if some sort of adapter is needed...  which I have not
> been able to find out any information...
>
> Any help would be appreicated
>
> thank you,
> Michael
> WØMKE

The subject line says it all.  Is there anyone out there (contest-wise) that
is going to use a FT-897 as a second radio in a SO2R set up?  Im considering
the 897 instead of another 1000MP of some sort just because you can pull it
out of line and travel with it easier.  Any thoughts?  Am I giving up too
much performance?  Iknow the radio will not play exactly like the big boys
but I do need something that is above average for contest or dxperition type
stuff.  Has anyone used Writelog to control the radio.

Thanks for reading, you can reply direct so as not to clutter up the list.
I imagine I may be the only one interested in this input.

Mike/aj9c

> The subject line says it all.

No, it doesn't. What the Blazes IS "SO2R"??????

Single operator contest category, using 2 radios.  One would be a CQ radio
the other is used for tuning and answering cqs on other bands in between
contacts.  The 897 is contemplated as the Search and Pounce (S&P) radio.

Mike/aj9c

Anyone found a good backpack for the 897 ?
Making a trip soon.

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "ed " <kt4hr@y...> wrote:
> Anyone found a good backpack for the 897 ?
> Making a trip soon.

Nothing finer than the Trail Pack by Communication Outfitters.  It
was designed for the 897 + tuner + lots of other good stuff.  $130 as
I recall.
73,
Barry - W4WB

Communication Outfitters has their Expedition Trail Pack for the 897. I have
one available if your interested as I decided to go with a pelican case
instead since I don't backpack but use it for traveling.
  Al Tyson WB6HPF

Not a backback but I recently purchased the radio box from
powerport.com.  Nice, but no room for an antenna tuner (if you were to
have one.

-Tom-


ed wrote:

>Anyone found a good backpack for the 897 ?
>Making a trip soon.
>
>

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "ed " <kt4hr@y...> wrote:
> Anyone found a good backpack for the 897 ?
> Making a trip soon.

Take a look in the photos section here, under "Portable." I used a
tool belt from Home Depot, with web belt, shoulder straps and large
pouches, one of which holds the radio at my hip where I can see and
operate it, while the load is carried quite comfortably for walking
or hiking. The 897 is not a lightweight radio, mind.

Cortland

Could you please give me the address of this company Communication
Outfitters.
(Web-Site& E-mail) as I am interested in a backpack for my 897.
Is this backpack already available in Europe?

Dr.Hans-Jürgen Hohlbein  ( DL 2 ZAI)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://www.communication-outfitters.com/Products.htm

zsctdl@... wrote:

>Could you please give me the address of this company Communication
>Outfitters.
>(Web-Site& E-mail) as I am interested in a backpack for my 897.
>Is this backpack already available in Europe?
>
>Dr.Hans-Jürgen Hohlbein  ( DL 2 ZAI)
>
>
>

> -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
> Från: zsctdl@... [mailto:zsctdl@...]
> Skickat: den 3 juli 2003 08:40
> Till: FT897@yahoogroups.com
> Ämne: Re: [FT897] Re: backpack
>
>
> Could you please give me the address of this company Communication
> Outfitters.
> (Web-Site& E-mail) as I am interested in a backpack for my
> 897. Is this backpack already available in Europe?
>
> Dr.Hans-Jürgen Hohlbein  ( DL 2 ZAI)

Herr Hohlbein,

Try http://www.communication-outfitters.com/products.htm for this pack.

Personally I am looking for something to use when traveling. The Pelican
case is nice, but overkill and ridicules expensive here. I have seen several
professional camera bags that comes close to the dimensions of the 897, but
so far none that will be close enough. Maybe someday I get lucky... :)


73 de Björn /SM0MDG

Earlier this week someone suggested using a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch (or
whatever the mm size is) stereo adapter for mating a cw  paddle to the
897 key jack.

Just a reminder that amateur radio is as much mechanical knowledge as
electrical knowledge.

Using a 1/4 inch stereo phone plug PLUS an adapter puts more weight,
strain, and wiggle on that little key jack than you really want, a
lesson I learned with my 100D.

The solution is to terminate your paddle cord (all 4 of my keys, by the
way) with an 1/8 inch plug which mates directly with the FT-897's key
jack while putting the minimum amount of mechanical stress on the jack
itself.

If you then want to use that key with a standard 1/4 inch key jack in
your other rigs, just use a 1/8th to 1/4 inch stereo adapter on THAT
rig.  The 1/4 inch jacks are better able to sustain the stress of
adapters than the mini 1/8th inch jacks.

73,

Kent Trimble, K9ZTV
Jefferson City, MO

Thank you for your response.  What I am getting from the Group (this
and at eham) is that I need to solder on a new, correct size, plug
on the end of my keyer and I will be all set.

Thank you for your input, its things like that that make groups like
this very useful to newbies like me

thanks again
73
Mike
WØMKE


--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, k9ztv@s... wrote:
> Earlier this week someone suggested using a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch
(or
> whatever the mm size is) stereo adapter for mating a cw  paddle to
the
> 897 key jack.
>
> Just a reminder that amateur radio is as much mechanical knowledge
as
> electrical knowledge.
>
> Using a 1/4 inch stereo phone plug PLUS an adapter puts more
weight,
> strain, and wiggle on that little key jack than you really want, a
> lesson I learned with my 100D.
>
> The solution is to terminate your paddle cord (all 4 of my keys,
by the
> way) with an 1/8 inch plug which mates directly with the FT-897's
key
> jack while putting the minimum amount of mechanical stress on the
jack
> itself.
>
> If you then want to use that key with a standard 1/4 inch key jack
in
> your other rigs, just use a 1/8th to 1/4 inch stereo adapter on
THAT
> rig.  The 1/4 inch jacks are better able to sustain the stress of
> adapters than the mini 1/8th inch jacks.
>
> 73,
>
> Kent Trimble, K9ZTV
> Jefferson City, MO

Picked up the dxpedition pak at HamCom but they did not have the "radio box"
for the 897. Went to powerport.com and ordered the HI-B2 which is the "radio
box" specially built for the 897. It is on its way to qth now.
73
Tom


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Web site is www.powerportstore.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In FT897@yahoogroups.com, "ed " <kt4hr@y...> wrote:
> Anyone found a good backpack for the 897 ?
> Making a trip soon.
Woods make a fantastic over the shoulder pack that just fits the 897
like a glove and has lots of pockets for the extra stuff.
Price is $19.95 in Canadian Tire in Canada.
  Northwoods also make an identical sized unit but with different
style of pockets. The material is not as heavy as the Woods unit
but at $6.95 I bought two of them. I have yet to see a pack that is
as good as these two.
You still have to make slits in the bottom for coax access.
Jim VE3DDY

The packset referred by me in the previous post is called a
"NORTH 49 LATITUDE 4" Model 290 and is manufactured by
WORLD FAMOUS SALES OF CANADA INC. CONCORD, CANADA L4K4S1.
This pack is a "not too tight" fit for the 897.
Made of durable 600 denier polyester.
Features 6 large pockets and a pen slot
Top loading with zippered closure
Web shoulder strap and belt loop.
Large rain flap to cover everything over.
Canadian Tire had them on on sale for $6.95 but regular price is
$16.95.
Jim VE3DDY

Is there a website for World Famous Sales of Canada? Anybody know? When you
use that name you get a legal service.  W9WHX


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I will be taking my FT 897 w/ LDG AT897 and OBP mike to Rarotonga,
South Cook Islands, South Pacific 18-21 September and then on to
Aitituki Island, North Cook Islands, 22-30 September. Callsign: ZK1USN

This will be a real field test of this grab-and-go radio.  The Cook
Islands are between Tahiti and New Zealand.  I will use the Yaesu
internal AC power supply switched for 220V. (Power on outer Aitituki
is sometimes intermittant)  Antennas will be long wires and yagis 40M
thru 10M and both SSB and CW.
Anyone needing ZK1 for DXCC or IOTA, or just want to hear an '897
from the South Pacific?  I will be happy to sked on request.  I will
be writing an article for ham publications on this one- man
DXpedition on my return.

Allen
K6USN

Allen,
That sounds like a trip of dreams for a ham.  Have a good trip, and I'd like
to see if I can work you with my 897.

If you keep a record of hams who want a sked, put my call down

73
Tom - AB5ZJ
Dallas Ft. Worth area





>From: "k6usn2002" <k6usn@...>
>Reply-To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
>To: FT897@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [FT897] Taking the FT 897 to the South Pacific
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>
>I will be taking my FT 897 w/ LDG AT897 and OBP mike to Rarotonga,
>South Cook Islands, South Pacific 18-21 September and then on to
>Aitituki Island, North Cook Islands, 22-30 September. Callsign: ZK1USN
>
>This will be a real field test of this grab-and-go radio.  The Cook
>Islands are between Tahiti and New Zealand.  I will use the Yaesu
>internal AC power supply switched for 220V. (Power on outer Aitituki
>is sometimes intermittant)  Antennas will be long wires and yagis 40M
>thru 10M and both SSB and CW.
>Anyone needing ZK1 for DXCC or IOTA, or just want to hear an '897
>from the South Pacific?  I will be happy to sked on request.  I will
>be writing an article for ham publications on this one- man
>DXpedition on my return.
>
>Allen
>K6USN
>
>

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